RismadarVoice Reporters, June 30, 2026
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has commended troops of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and their ground counterparts for the successful rescue of students and teachers abducted during a terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School in Lassa, Borno State.
In a statement issued by the Nigerian Air Force, Air Marshal Aneke described the operation as a demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint military operations in protecting lives and combating terrorism.
He praised the swift deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets, as well as timely air support, which he said disrupted the terrorists’ movement and enabled ground troops to rescue the victims.
According to the statement, one of the rescued victims, the Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, Mr Paul Namaske, said the arrival of military aircraft forced the attackers to flee, creating an opportunity for the abducted students and teachers to escape.
The Air Chief noted that the account underscored the critical role of air power in modern counter-terrorism operations when effectively integrated with ground forces.
Air Marshal Aneke also paid tribute to a soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force who lost their lives during the rescue operation.
He extended condolences to their families and reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to working with other security agencies to sustain operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country.
